972 Days Apart
Our foreign dreams came at a heavy cost. The pain of leaving behind our two beautiful children. It was 2 years, 7 months, and 27 days (or simply 972 days). Since we entrusted them to the loving care of my brother, sister-in-law, and our mother.
They were well cared for. Perhaps even more than we could have managed ourselves. Yet nothing prepares a parent for the ache of being away from young children. Every day, my mind wandered to them: What are they doing right now? Are they sleeping well? What have they eaten today? Are they playing happily? These thoughts never left me.
The early months were the hardest. Some days, guilt sat heavily on my heart; on others, the longing felt unbearable. My wife and I took turns carrying that sadness. Whenever we saw young children around us, we were reminded of our own so far away, yet always close in our thoughts.
Life does not always offer easy choices. While I pursued my studies, leaving them behind felt like the only option. Bringing them with us then would have been difficult not just for us, but for them as well.
We waited a long time. And now, as we finally prepare to be together again, life still looks much the same. I am still a university student, pursuing my higher degree by research. But we are stronger now more familiar with the system, better able to navigate our way, and supported by work that offers some stability.
Life moves forward.
As our children join us, we hope this new chapter will gift them kindness, humility, learning, and life skills. May they grow with strong values, rich experiences, and a deep sense of service to our King, country, and people.
Welcome to our rented home - Canberra.
17 December 2026 | Arrival: 6:15 p.m.
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